Windows 11 users are set for another batch of AI-flavored generative features, as Microsoft looks to continue attracting customers to the operating system.
The tech giant revealed plans to add a host of new AI-powered features to its Copilot Preview for Windows 11, including new add-ons for easy access to apps like OpenTable, Instacart, Shopify, Klarna, and Kayak.
Starting in late March, Copilot on Windows will also offer a new set of skills that can be accessed by typing a message in Copilot on Windows. Copilot will then perform the requested action and confirm once it is complete.
Prompts are available for some settings, such as turning battery saver on/off or displaying battery information, and for some accessibility settings, allowing users to start screen magnifier or start voice input.
They can also be used to access certain device information, such as displaying the device's IP address or empty recycle bin.
Microsoft also said it is rolling out new features, including generative deletion, which allows users to select and delete unwanted objects when using the Photos app.
New 'voice shortcuts', which are custom commands to do things like paste text or open folders, files, apps or URLs, will also be added, the company said. Voice commands can also be used on connected displays, making it easy to navigate between screens or move files and apps.
Windows 11 business users get new features
For enterprise customers, Microsoft said it is simplifying the update management solution by combining the Windows Update for Business deployment service with Autopatch into a single update management solution.
Windows Autopatch will provide a unique way for organizations to manage updates on Windows PCs, Microsoft 365 apps, Microsoft Edge and Teams, the company said, and will use AI to schedule necessary updates and reduce the impact on team productivity.
Some of the new features are already available through Windows Update and new apps are available through Microsoft Store updates. Windows 11 PCs will get new features at different times, as Microsoft is gradually rolling out some of these new features over the next few weeks through a controlled feature rollout.
Most of these new Windows 11 features will be enabled by default in the optional non-security preview in March 2024 for all editions of Windows 11, versions 23H2 and 22H2.
Microsoft really wants you to switch to Windows 11
In addition to these new features, Microsoft is trying to persuade Windows 10 users that it really is time to upgrade.
Starting with the April 2024 security update, Windows users working on domain-joined and unmanaged cloud domain-joined enterprise devices will see “invitation messages” about their free upgrades to Windows 11.
Microsoft said the invitation to upgrade to Windows 11 will appear after you sign in and usually after a reboot. It will appear on Windows 10 Pro and Pro Workstation devices that are eligible for Windows 11 but are not managed by IT departments.
Once prompted, users will be able to choose to get Windows 11, version 23H2 or stay on Windows 10 if they wish (the buttons to choose the upgrade are in the middle of the screen while the “Keep Windows 10” option It is below and to the left.
Users who want to upgrade can schedule when the Windows 11 upgrade should begin.
Windows 11 adoption appears to have been slower than the pace at which Windows 10 was adopted. It arrived in October 2021, but still accounts for around 28% of Windows PCs online according to Statcounter data, even if that figure is significantly higher than 19% in February last year.
Windows 10 was released in July 2015 and support will end on October 14, 2025. The current version, 22H2, is the final version of Windows 10.
